Governor Palin and the curtain of charity

Let's be fair; Palin may not be utterly uninformed about Supreme Court decisions.

Perhaps it was just a clever homage to one of America's greatest writers.

Gov. Palin, being questioned by Katie Couric about Supreme Court decisions after having gotten the nomination as the Republican candidate for Vice President under somewhat dubious circumstances:

COURIC: What other Supreme Court decisions [than Roe v. Wade] do you disagree with?

PALIN: Well, let's see. There's --of course --in the great history of America rulings there have been rulings, that's never going to be absolute consensus by every American. And there are--those issues, again, like Roe v Wade where I believe are best held on a state level and addressed there. So you know--going through the history of America, there would be others but--

COURIC: Can you think of any?

PALIN: Well, I could think of--of any again, that could be best dealt with on a more local level. Maybe I would take issue with. But you know, as mayor, and then as governor and even as a Vice President, if I'm so privileged to serve, wouldn't be in a position of changing those things but in supporting the law of the land as it reads today.

Tom Sawyer, being quizzed about Bible verses after cheating to win a Sunday school contest:

"...And now you wouldn't mind telling me and this lady some of the things you've learned -- no, I know you wouldn't -- for we are proud of little boys that learn. Now, no doubt you know the names of all the twelve disciples. Won't you tell us the names of the first two that were appointed?"

Tom was tugging at a button-hole and looking sheepish. He blushed, now, and his eyes fell. Mr. Walters' heart sank within him. He said to himself, it is not possible that the boy can answer the simplest question -- why DID the Judge ask him? Yet he felt obliged to speak up and say:

"Answer the gentleman, Thomas -- don't be afraid."

Tom still hung fire.

"Now I know you'll tell me," said the lady. "The names of the first two disciples were --"

"DAVID AND GOLIATH!"

Let us draw the curtain of charity over the rest of the scene.

I wonder how many times debate moderator Gwen Ifill will be tempted to use the phrase "curtain of charity" tonight.